Major US airlines have issued travel advisories and fee waivers ahead of a powerful winter snowstorm expected to disrupt travel across much of the country this weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said a large and long-lasting storm will move from the Southern Plains and Rocky Mountains toward the Northeast, bringing heavy snow, extreme cold and strong winds to more than a dozen states.
Delta Air Lines said passengers flying in or out of 41 airports across a dozen states from Friday to Sunday can rebook their flights without extra fees for travel through next Wednesday. American Airlines issued a similar alert covering 34 airports in 14 states across the South and Mid-Atlantic.
United Airlines waived change fees for passengers scheduled to fly Saturday through Monday across 26 airports in the southern US. Southwest Airlines issued a travel advisory for 26 airports in the South and Mid-Atlantic for travel from Friday to Monday.
JetBlue Airways released two advisories. One covers six airports in the South and Mid-Atlantic from Friday to Sunday, while another applies to six airports in the New York City and Philadelphia areas for flights scheduled from Saturday to Monday.
Forecasters warned of dangerous conditions, including life-threatening cold air and gusty winds that could down power lines and trees. Wind chills could drop below minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Northern Plains, with sub-zero conditions reaching parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Plains.
AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter said widespread travel disruption is likely. He warned that thousands of flight cancellations could occur nationwide, with delays spreading as snow and ice affect major airports.
Airlines advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and consider rebooking if their trip is covered by a waiver. Even passengers flying outside storm-hit areas may face delays due to knock-on effects across the network.
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